The 6 Best Reading Apps for Budding Bookworms

Whether your child is showing an early interest in reading or you're looking for ways to encourage a hesitant reader, smartphone and iPad apps are an excellent way to supplement the reading skills they're being taught at school. Here are the best reading apps for kids, backed by experts.

Homer

via itunes.apple.com

“Homer is a phonics, research-based reading app,” said Deb Finger, lower school technology coach at Shipley School in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania. “Kids can make their way through Pickle Wickle Park with their Wickle, a cute little customizable character, earning points for reading, playing educational games, listening to books, and more.” Available only for iPhones, Homer is one of the highest rated reading apps for kids. Downloading the app is free, but parents should know that much of the app is unavailable without making in-app purchases. Don’t miss these 10 children’s books that can get you through life’s toughest moments.

Hooked on Phonics

via itunes.apple.com

Most parents are familiar with Hooked on Phonics, either because their parents used the program or because we grew up watching their commercials on TV. Children can learn the basics of reading through the interactive learning modules. The learn-to-read program is now available as one of the best reading apps for kids on both Android and iPhone devices. The app is free to download, but there are in-app purchases that have to be made to gain full access to the app. Try these activities to improve your child’s fine motor skills.